What You Need to Know About Packaged HVAC Systems

A packaged HVAC system is an all-in-one heating and cooling solution for spaces that don’t have enough indoor room to house a furnace or an air handler. A packaged system contains all of its components in a single outdoor unit, which sits on the side of your property or on its roof. What’s more, packaged units are manufactured in two footprints: small and large. The size of footprint you choose will depend on its BTU/tonnage and your property’s installation requirements. Smaller footprint packaged units are usually easier to install, while larger footprint packaged units have more flexibility during installation. Here’s what else you need to know about packaged HVAC systems before investing in one.

There Are Four Types of Packaged HVAC Systems

Gas/electric packaged unit

Heat pump packaged unit

Dual-fuel packaged unit

Air conditioner packaged unit

Now, let’s see which packaged unit would fit best in your property in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Gas/Electric Packaged Unit

Gas/electric packaged units provide heating and cooling from a gas furnace. During the spring and summer, the system operates as an all-electric and a high-efficiency air conditioning system. In the fall and winter, it supplies heat from natural gas or propane.

Packaged Unit Includes: Air Conditioner, coil and gas furnace.

Type of Home It Fits In: Any.

Efficiency Level: 13-20 SEER and 80%-95% AFUE

Heat Pump Packaged Unit

Heat pump packaged units combine air conditioning, heating and air-handling functions into one system. With a heat pump packaged unit, you’ll stay comfortable throughout every season. Although a heat pump packaged system works well in all types of homes, it operates best in areas with mild winters like West Palm Beach, Florida. As such, when shopping for a packaged system, this might be your top choice.

Packaged Unit Includes: Heat pump and air handlers.

Type of Home It Fits In: Any; better in homes with mild winters like Florida.

Efficiency Level: 13-15 SEER and 7.7-8 HSPF

Dual-Fuel Packaged Unit

Dual-fuel packaged units contain everything you need to keep your property comfortable. When operating as a heat pump, the unit cools and dehumidifies your home during the summer. When the temperature lowers during the winter, the unit can provide gas heat to ensure you stay warm. If you live in an area where natural gas isn’t readily available, you can use propane as a substitute.

Packaged Unit Includes: Heat pump, coil and gas furnace.

Type of Home It Fits In: Any.

Efficiency Level: 15 SEER, 8 HSPF, 80% AFUE

Air Conditioner Packaged Unit

As with a heat pump packaged unit, an air conditioner packaged unit is also a top choice when you live in a climate like Florida. An air conditioner packaged unit is an especially good option if you don’t have a split system. These systems also offer options for ultimate humidity control, making them perfect for homeowners in South Florida.

Packaged Unit Includes: Air conditioner and air handler.

Type of Home It Fits In: Homes in areas with mild winters like Florida.

Efficiency Level: 13-15 SEER

If you’re interested in additional information about a packaged heating and cooling system, or if you’d like to browse our selection of state-of-the-art units, check out our packaged products page or contact Preferred Air Conditioning & Mechanical, Inc. in West Palm Beach at (561) 202-1422 or in Port Saint Lucie at (772) 905-3358. Our comfort consultants are standing by to ensure you select a packaged system that meets your home’s heating and cooling needs. Please keep in mind that we also perform repairs and maintenance on packaged HVAC units, too.